The 16 Best CeraVe Products Skin Experts Would Buy Again and Again

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Whenever I visit my dermatologist’s office, I’m asked to bring in the products I’ve been using so she can properly assess which ones are working and which ones should be tossed. As a self-professed skin care obsessive (and a beauty editor for over five years), I’ve tried just about every formula there is, from high-end to drugstore, so I walk in confidently knowing I’m on the right track. As she parsed my skin care products, my sunscreen and daily moisturizer received a disapproving head shake “no,” while a few face serums prompted a mere shrug as if to signal the product was decent, but I could do better. Then, we finally earned some brownie points when she shuffled through the rest and landed on a drugstore classic: CeraVe’s SA Renewing Cleanser.

Beloved by me, dermatologists, and fellow beauty lovers, CeraVe is a universally effective brand that caters to a bevy of skin care woes by offering corrective formulas that won’t break the bank or further damage the skin. “CeraVe was developed with close input from dermatologists, and each product contains 3 essential ceramides, which are natural oils that make up part of our skin barrier, allowing CeraVe products to help restore the skin barrier with regular use. Beyond that, there is a wide variety of different products suitable for each different skin type, allowing someone of any skin type to find products that work perfectly for them,” says Dr. Mark Strom, an NYC-based dermatologist at Mount Sinai and CeraVe brand partner.

Whether you’re prone to acne and want to minimize breakouts or simply want to enhance your routine with formulas that go above and beyond, CeraVe has a formula for every skin type, concern, and complexion (yes, there’s even a sunscreen that won’t leave you ghostly). After polling a dermatologist and perusing ELLE editors’ stashes, scroll on to find the 12 best CeraVe products to buy ASAP.

Foaming Facial Cleanser

Skin type: Normal, oily

Size: 16 fl oz

A great skin routine starts with step one: cleansing. Dr. Mark Strom, a NYC-based dermatologist, recommends this cleanser for oily skin as it’s “a gentle foaming cleanser that is going to be great at helping to remove excess oil.” This foaming cleansing is designed to minimize sebum production for those with oiler glands. At the same time, it imparts nourishment via a blend of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to support the skin’s barrier.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I used this several years ago and liked it. When I ran out, I mistakenly bought a cleanser at Costco. I was very happy when I ran out and could re-order CeraVe. It’s a gentle cleanser for the face. The scent is just fine--not strong. I like that it leaves my skin soft. I’m going to stick with CeraVe.”

Hydrating transparent Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face and Body

Skin type: All skin types

Size: 3 fl oz

The race to scoring an effective and, honestly, flattering sunscreen is a marathon, not a sprint, and one that shouldn’t leave evidence of any mishaps. Here’s a drugstore sunscreen that soaks into the skin seamlessly and thoroughly protects against harmful UV rays. For makeup wearers, rest assured this sunscreen won’t pill or disrupt your flawless beat.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “This product came recommended by my esthetician. I have been using it now for about a month - and it is a light product - not heavy - and is effective in the sun. I am high up in altitude and the product keeps the harmful rays at bay.”

Ultra-Light Facial Gel

Skin type: All skin types

Size: 1.75 fl oz

“The Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel is a super lightweight moisturizer with niacinamide to help control oil production that doesn’t feel at all heavy on the skin,” says Dr. Strom. Perfect for stressed or dehydrated skin, this moisturizer is powered by moisture-inducing hyaluronic acid that soothes and protects the skin.

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I've been using this moisturizer daily for months now. It doesn't leave residue or a sticky feeling on my skin. The packaging is also great. We've all had to cut the ends off of our products in tubes to get out every last bit. That is NOT the case with this one. Mine is VERY near empty and the product is still coming out with the pump!”

Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Face Wash

Skin type: Normal, dry

Size: 16 fl oz

When it comes to dry skin, Dr. Strom suggests using the Hydrating Cream-to-Foam cleanser because it's a “gentle, non-stripping cleanser that’s also great for sensitive skin.” After a long day of heavy makeup, this cleanser does a great job of removing all traces of your makeup without leaving your skin parched and desperate for hydration.

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve always had dry and sensitive skin, and finding affordable cleansers that wouldn’t cause a reaction used to be super stressful. This cleanser has been the holy grail in my skincare routine for years and can still hold its own amongst some of my more expensive products. I love how the cream-to-foam texture feels hydrating on the skin, but the lather still gives you that clean feeling that you'd want from your cleanser without stripping it.” —Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant

Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Skin type: Acne-prone skin

Size: 5 fl oz

To kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin, you need to call in the big guns. One of the best acne-fighting ingredients on the market is benzoyl peroxide, which forces breakouts to clear and helps prevent any more from cropping up. Like most CeraVe formulas, this corrective cleanser hydrates and nourishes, courtesy of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is one of my favorite cleansers to recommend for my patients with acne because the 4% benzoyl peroxide is so effective at helping prevent and treat acne, and the 3 essential ceramides within the formula help reinforce the skin barrier, preventing it from drying out.”—Dr. Mark Strom

Moisturizing Cream

Skin type: Dry skin

Size: 19 fl oz

When scented lotions and body creams let you down, sometimes, going back to the basics is all you need to restore balance. “This is one of my favorite body moisturizers of all time. It is so great for people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis,” Dr. Strom adds. Not only that, but the thick texture seamlessly dissolves to give your skin a deeply moisturized feeling and a protective layer.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This was my go-to face cream before I realized it could also be used on my body. Where this cream gave my face a dose of moisture, it blanketed my body in nourishment no other lotion was able to provide. It's the type of nourishment that makes you rub your legs and feet together in bliss because of how soft and smooth you feel.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum

Skin type: Dry

Size: 1 fl oz

Every skin can benefit from added hydration. The CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum is an affordable and effective way to boost moisture and plumpness in the skin. Along with hyaluronic acid, the skin is revived via ceramides and vitamin B5 to encourage overall skin health.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I love CeraVe products and this doesn’t disappoint. I use it every morning right after I wash my face and pat dry. It hydrates my skin all day. I also love that it’s not high priced.”

Healing Ointment

Skin type: All skin types

Size: 5 fl oz

Slugging is not the sexiest word, but the results you wake up to, thanks to this ointment, make up for it. As the name suggests, this salve is basically a bandaid for stressed-out, irritated skin. When used in slugging, it's the top layer that seals in the moisture from the blend of serums underneath. CeraVe's Healing Ointment also works as a lip balm and a remedy for cracked, dry feet—basically, any dryness you're experiencing, the Healing Ointment is your relief.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I keep this tube of ointment next to my bed at all times. It’s perfect for healing cracked skin overnight, slugging, or even helping a small cut heal. Since it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it really helps add moisture back to the skin. Plus, one tube goes a long way—I’ve had mine for a year, and I’m not even halfway through.”—Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor

SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin

Skin type: Dry, rough

Size: 12 fl oz

If you have to have body acne in the most visible places (upper arms, I’m looking at you), CeraVe’s SA Cream is the salve you’ve been looking for. Formulated with corrective salicylic and lactic and nourishing niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, your skin has all the TLC it needs in this jar. Plus, this cream is a great follow-up to the CeraVe SA Body Wash.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “My love for fragrant body washes does more harm than good. Yes, I smell amazing, but my sensitive skin always reacts with tiny, itchy bumps to let me know it doesn’t like a formula. To combat my body acne, I reach for this salicylic acid-infused cream, which has a thick, moisturizing texture that helps calm my skin when it goes into panic mode.”—Nerisha Penrose

Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Skin type: All skin types

Size: 1 fl oz

An orange juice a day can have amazing health benefits, thanks to all its antioxidants. Now, imagine what a diligent vitamin C, also rich in antioxidants, routine in the morning can do for your skin. The Skin Renewing Vitamin C serum aims to address uneven complexion but not without cushioning the skin with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I always buy CeraVe products because I have super sensitive skin and their products are known for using the least harsh ingredients to get the job done. My skin is sensitive, super oily but also super dry, combination, textured, and acne prone. This vitamin C serum is a part of my go-to morning routine. It isn’t harsh on my skin and doesn’t overdry (I use retinol at night, so this is a big deal for me). It feels super smooth and light on skin, is a quality product from a trusted brand, and a decent price compared to other Vitamin C serums on the market. This helps brighten my skin and enhance the work of my retinol. Protip: If you notice your serum getting yellow over time, as other reviewers have mentioned, this is a common issue with all vitamin C serums, as they oxidize quite easily and quickly. It means it is no longer as effective and you should discard. Overall, I highly recommend this serum! Hope this helps!”

Renewing SA Cleanser

Skin type: Normal, acne-prone

Size: 8 fl oz

When stubborn breakouts keep interfering with the glass skin you’re trying so hard to achieve, the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser helps you clear them up. The MVP of this composition is salicylic acid, a star ingredient for battling and preventing acne.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve been using this cleanser for about four months. I have sensitive skin and I haven’t had any breakouts. It has some magic unicorn ingredients that makes your skin feel clean and soft after you use it.”

Cleansing Balm

Skin type: All skin types

Size: 1.3 fl oz

If you’re sleeping in your makeup, then we’re definitely judging you. However, housing this makeup remover in your stash will soften the blow. The balm emulsifies to a thin, milk-like consistency to gently wash your makeup in one try; jojoba oil provides a soft veil to prevent your skin from feeling stripped and raw.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I really like this product. You only need to rub a little bit on your face and wash it off with a wet wash rag. My makeup comes right off!”

How do you find the right CeraVe products?

When shopping for skin care products, it’s imperative to understand your skin type and what products will effectively correct your skin woes. “First, you have to identify your skin type (dry, oily, normal, combination or sensitive, to name a few) and any skincare concerns that you want to address, like acne. Once you know what you need to target, the CeraVe website actually does a great job of identifying which products can be helpful for each skin type. Most people are going to want to start out with a basic routine that includes three products: a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen that are formulated specifically for their skin type,” Dr. Marl Strom, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, explains.

Meet the experts

Dr. Mark Strom is an NY-based board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com’s beauty commerce editor. Nerisha Penrose spoke to a dermatologist about the absolute best CeraVe products and how to find ones for your skin type.

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